Gulf Shores for Christmas

[Bigwolf]

CB and I are heading to Gulf Shores for Christmas.  And for some R and R.  This has been a tough year for CB.  Two of her friends and two of her family members have passed on within the last 8 months. 

One of her brothers passed just last week.  That brother had cancer and had been battling it for a long time.  Knowing that he is now at peace is small consolation to her.  He was 78.  The other 3 were 58 and younger.  Those deaths were swift and very unexpected.

There have been some other tragedies within CB’s family this year as well.  The stress of it all has her concerned about mortality and maybe a bit angry with the unfairness of life.  I think she needs to step away from it all for a couple of days and look for some joy in life. 

It has been a long time since CB and I have been able to go on a pleasure trip but things are a little easier now and we have no children nor any other place to be for Christmas sooo.......
She has always loved Gulf Shores so I suggested we spend Christmas there and she jumped at the idea.

We won’t be taking the bike but sometimes a man just has to make adjustments for those he cares about.  I am looking forward to doing some solo riding early spring next year (Bigwolf Recon).

Merry Christmas to all

Bigwolf

[f6john]

Sounds like it was time for a little getaway. I and my wife are overdo for other reasons but the time isn’t right yet. Merry Christmas and be safe on the roads !

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good for you guys Jerry   I hope the break brings some peace and joy for CB.

[Rams]

Priorities, a man's gotta have his priorities straight.

IMHO, you've got it right.

Give CB a hug and a kiss from me.   

Rams

[Farside]

CB and I are heading to Gulf Shores for Christmas.  And for some R and R.  This has been a tough year for CB.  Two of her friends and two of her family members have passed on within the last 8 months. 

One of her brothers passed just last week.  That brother had cancer and had been battling it for a long time.  Knowing that he is now at peace is small consolation to her.  He was 78.  The other 3 were 58 and younger.  Those deaths were swift and very unexpected.

There have been some other tragedies within CB’s family this year as well.  The stress of it all has her concerned about mortality and maybe a bit angry with the unfairness of life.  I think she needs to step away from it all for a couple of days and look for some joy in life. 

It has been a long time since CB and I have been able to go on a pleasure trip but things are a little easier now and we have no children nor any other place to be for Christmas sooo.......
She has always loved Gulf Shores so I suggested we spend Christmas there and she jumped at the idea.

We won’t be taking the bike but sometimes a man just has to make adjustments for those he cares about.  I am looking forward to doing some solo riding early spring next year (Bigwolf Recon).

Merry Christmas to all

Bigwolf

    Well I'm sure sorry to hear of your wife's family losses. Prayers for her continued healing of comfort and acceptance.
  Sounds like you've been to Gulf Shores before so know you'll enjoy Christmas at the  beach.     There are  a few Valk brothers over here in the Pan-handle that will ride over the holidays. You may know Christj = Jeff in Crestview. I don't know how long you'll be down but I have an extra Valk if interested.
There is a ride on the 29th called the "Last Ride of the Year" ending in Stockton, AL at the Stagecoach Cafe. We are planning on going, could be as many as 5-7. You can send me a PM if interested.
 Merry Christmas!   

[¿spoom]

CB and I are heading to Gulf Shores for Christmas.  And for some R and R.  This has been a tough year for CB.  Two of her friends and two of her family members have passed on within the last 8 months. 

One of her brothers passed just last week.  That brother had cancer and had been battling it for a long time.  Knowing that he is now at peace is small consolation to her.  He was 78.  The other 3 were 58 and younger.  Those deaths were swift and very unexpected.

There have been some other tragedies within CB’s family this year as well.  The stress of it all has her concerned about mortality and maybe a bit angry with the unfairness of life.  I think she needs to step away from it all for a couple of days and look for some joy in life. 

It has been a long time since CB and I have been able to go on a pleasure trip but things are a little easier now and we have no children nor any other place to be for Christmas sooo.......
She has always loved Gulf Shores so I suggested we spend Christmas there and she jumped at the idea.

We won’t be taking the bike but sometimes a man just has to make adjustments for those he cares about.  I am looking forward to doing some solo riding early spring next year (Bigwolf Recon).

Merry Christmas to all

Bigwolf

That sounds wonderful, may you find time to rediscover each other's company again. Sometimes a car/truck can add a different kind of peace on an extended road trip-the ability to over-pack and under-plan. Merry Christmas to you both, and best wishes for a recharge.

[DDT (12)]

Jerry and Mural,

Thanks for sharing your burden and plans with us... When one of us hurts, all of us hurt... We're all pulling for you and hoping for the clarity and acceptance you need, and for the healing that can only come with time. Our best wishes go with you... Please keep us updated on your journey, discoveries and revelations… I'm looking forward to seeing y'all again, and to catching up on 'life' and all that goes with it...

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Sounds like it was time for a little getaway. I and my wife are overdo for other reasons but the time isn’t right yet. Merry Christmas and be safe on the roads !

Yes, Mural and I are definitely long overdue for a getaway. 
When the time gets right for you, don’t hesitate.  I hope that time comes soon.  Everyone needs to take a break and recharge their spirit occasionally.


Rob,
Thank you.  I am hoping that her love of Gulf Shores will break the spell of the bad vibes swirling in her head.  I know she is looking forward to walking on the beach.


Ron,
Thank you.  You know I really do sometimes get things in proper order...............even if it is just accidental.


Farside,
Thank you!  Those are comforting words and a very generous offer.
We are booked for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only.  The plan is to arrive either late Sunday or early Monday and leave probably by noon on Wednesday.  I wish we could stay the whole week but that is not financially wise for us right now.
The bike offer sounds great!  Thank you for that, but CB no longer rides with me and this is not a good time for me to run off and do what I want without her.  She needs me close right now and I intend to be there for her.  I will send a pm with my phone number just in case we might be able to hook up for a meal or drink somewhere.

That sounds wonderful, may you find time to rediscover each other's company again. Sometimes a car/truck can add a different kind of peace on an extended road trip-the ability to over-pack and under-plan. Merry Christmas to you both, and best wishes for a recharge.

You have no idea just how appropriate and spot on those statements are at this particular time!  Thank you!

Jerry and Mural,

Thanks for sharing your burden and plans with us... When one of us hurts, all of us hurt... We're all pulling for you and hoping for the clarity and acceptance you need, and for the healing that can only come with time. Our best wishes go with you... Please keep us updated on your journey, discoveries and revelations… I'm looking forward to seeing y'all again, and to catching up on 'life' and all that goes with it...

DDT

Bruce, my friend,
As I am sure you are well aware, I tend to be a very private person.  Starting this post was a bit out of character for me but I guess I was feeling a bit emotional.  A lot of “life” has been going on around me and I am feeling the strain.  A break will be good!
“When one of us hurts, all of us hurt”.  Maybe nowhere else, but that does seem to be true of this group of folks.  I am awed and humbled by the actions and support this group has for most anyone in need.  In all my days, I have never seen another group come close to the genuine good embodied in this group.

I am hoping we will have a chance to “catch up” on life and such after you take care of that other thing.  We are not that far from ground zero of that thing if you need or want anything during that.

Bigwolf

[¿spoom]

Whether the Atlantic in my youth or just Lake Michigan, now, I'm always amazed how even just 10-15 minutes looking out over the waves with my back wedged against a suitable big rock, can shrink myself and my problems down a little.

[cookiedough]

glad you are taking the time to take a week or more off work and take some R&R.  I know it has been over 3 years, more like 4 years,  that we have taken a 'true' family vacation taking a full 5 days off work.  Been way, way, way too long but not so sure either one of us (especially the misses) can take off for more than 1-2 days at a time which sucks....   Just yesterday we both took off work for 1 day and the wife had to be on HER laptop for a few hours plus when we did leave, she got a critical phone call in from her co-workers needing her help figuring something out - not like a true FULL DAY off work.   Yet, the bosses in charge making more than double (probably triple) income always seem to take off weeks at a time with ease at the MOST cruicial times since pretty sure they do not do the DAILY work that makes them look good to their own bosses higher up...     It really irks both of us that both our bosses have NO clue on how to do our jobs nor could fill in our shoes doing the job for one day like it is BELOW them or something.  I am a firm believer that if you are a direct supervisor they should be able to fill in doing the bare mininum needed to be done on a DAILY basis if their workers below them want to take a few days off work.

back on track,  been to the gulf shores once and LOVED it walking on the beaches and sight seeing, mostly sight seeing the young HOT babes on the beaches that is!!!  It was in early June though so was fricking HOT like 90 degrees at 7 a.m. could not imagine what the summer would be like later on, but this time of year would be perfect for me here in WI.